Ah, the piano – majestic, melodic… and approximately the weight of a small car. Whether you inherited it from Grandma or bought it during a moment of musical ambition, one thing’s for sure: now it has to move, and suddenly it feels less like an instrument and more like a vengeful wardrobe with keys.
Whether you’re relocating an old upright that’s been in the family for decades or a sleek digital piano that seemed so much lighter in the showroom, moving these musical giants requires more than good intentions and a can-do attitude. The good news? With some planning, the right equipment and maybe a friend who owes you a favour, you can get your piano to its new home without needing to call your insurance company. In this article, we’ll share a step-by-step guide on moving the piano on your own.
Key Challenges of Moving a Piano
Before loading a piano into a truck, you’ll most likely need to transport it through hallways and stairs. Probably, there will be more than one route to choose from.
Before getting started, it’s important to measure the instrument and the dimensions of all the doors and corridors that you’re planning to use to move it. Think of where people who will carry the piano will be located at each stage of the journey. For instance, someone might need to open the door with their leg, while their hands will be busy with the instrument. Or, another person can go in front of the movers to open the doors for them.
To move a piano it’s best to get some packaging materials and use dedicated equipment. You’ll need wrapping foam to protect the surfaces from scratches. The lid will require the most thorough protection. Ideally, you should also use pads for this purpose. To transport the piano from your house or apartment to the truck, you should use a dolly and heavy-duty straps. Inside the truck, it’s vital to secure the instrument will special fasteners to prevent it from moving.
Step-by-Step Guide on Moving a Piano
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Here are the items you’ll need:
- Gloves to protect your hands
- Blanket and plastic wraps to cover the instrument
- Tape to fix the blanket and wraps
- Skid board, dolly and heavy-duty straps to move the piano
- Screwdriver to remove the instrument’s legs or door trim panels on your way, if necessary
Make sure the truck is equipped with a ramp that will help to load the piano.
Measure the dimensions of the instrument and all the obstacles on your way
Check whether the piano will fit through all the doors and corridors. If it cannot, consider using an alternative route or find ways to overcome the obstacles – such as temporarily removing the door trim panels.
How to move a grand piano
- Cover the instrument’s bench
- Detach and cover the music rack
- Secure the lid
- Remove the legs and pedals
- Wrap the instrument in a blanket
- Tilt it on its back and secure it with straps
- Carry the instrument from your home to the truck
- Load it and secure it
How to move an upright or digital piano
- Use plastic wrap to protect the keys and pedals
- Secure the lid
- Cover the instrument with a blanket
- Lift it with the help of a dolly
- Move it outside your home
- Load it onto the truck using a ramp
- Secure it with straps
Transport the piano from the truck to its new location
After unstrapping the piano, slowly roll the instrument out of the truck so as to prevent damage to the frame and legs. Then move the piano to its new place.
Impact of the Floor Type on Moving a Piano
At first sight, transporting the instrument on a hardwood floor can seem an easy task. However, to protect the surface, it’s recommended to cover the whole area with plywood. The right way to move a piano is to lift it on the plywood and gently push it in the desired direction.
If you need to take the instrument upstairs and downstairs, remove the straps and the dolly. Lift the piano along the stairs one step at a time.
Three Essential Dos and Don’ts Related to Moving a Piano
Dos
- Choose the optimal route and plan every step in advance
- Be cautious on staircases and carpets
- If you’re not confident in your ability to move a piano, consider hiring the services of professional piano movers
Don’ts
- Move the instrument yourself
- Lift it with bare hands, even if someone else assists you
- Push or pull it using its casters, especially if you need to cover a long distance
